Morongo tribal leaders and a host of dignitaries gathered to break ground on a new renovation and expansion project that will transform the heart of the AAA Four-Diamond Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa in California.

With ceremonial shovels of dirt, Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin and members of the Morongo Tribal Council marked the milestone flanked by retiring Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley, Riverside County Supervisor-elect Jeff Hewitt and elected and business leaders from the cities of Banning and Beaumont.

“Morongo has come a long way from the tiny bingo hall we operated on the reservation back in the 1980s,” said Chairman Martin. “Today, we pen a new chapter in our story as we continue to nurture new opportunities for our people, our community and our region. Today, we take a step toward generating another 425 new full-time jobs to add to the more than 2,500 jobs that Morongo already provides.”

Set to be finished in 2020, elements of the expansion and renovation project include an elegantly designed 65,000-square-foot expansion which will increase Morongo’s existing gaming floor by more than 30 percent, allowing for the addition of 800 new slots, new table games and new bar, lounge, and other guest amenities.

The project will also the renovation of the casino’s gaming floor and amenities, and renovation and replacement of first-floor restaurants to elevate the dining offerings.

“This beautiful new expansion is going to help power the economy for our region for many years to come as it will bring hundreds of new jobs and millions of dollars in new economic activity,” said Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley. “This project is the latest example of how Morongo continues to help move our region forward.”

“At Morongo, our goal is always to exceed the expectations of our guests by offering an unmatched gaming and luxury resort experience,” said John James, Chief Operating Officer of the Morongo Casino. “With this exciting renovation and expansion, we are upping the ante to ensure that we stay true to that principle.”